Spring games have come and gone. Soon, Summer will turn to Fall. As we inch closer to the start of the college football season, it’s time to keep tabs on players poised to make an impact in fantasy football devy for 2021.
Alabama, Ohio State, and Clemson always get the love. Enough of the big boys. Let’s celebrate some of the smaller school diamonds in the rough that can also ball that we should be paying attention to. This article will concentrate on players from the Group of Five.
The Group of Five is the five members of the NCAA Division 1 Football Subdivision. The five conferences are the American Athletic Conference, Conference USA, Mid-American Conference, Mountain West Conference, and the Sun Belt Conference.
Ok League Winners. Let’s take a closer look at a few Group of Five players whose devy stock is on the rise.
Grant Gunnell QB Memphis
Grant Gunnell is a fascinating 2022 draft-eligible quarterback. The 6’6 228 pound gunslinger is hoping that a change of scenery is just what the doctor ordered. Gunnell moves on from Arizona to play for the University of Memphis in 2021.
The best way to describe Gunnell’s college career so far has been good, not great. In 12 career games at Arizona, Gunnell threw for 1,864 yards, 15 touchdowns, and only three interceptions. He’s proven to be accurate so far in his career – compiling a 66.2 completion percentage.
When watching Gunnell play, you can tell he’s an underrated athlete for somebody 6’6. Gunnell’s a toolsy quarterback. He shows poise in the pocket under duress. He displays solid pocket awareness and manipulation. Did I mention Grant Gunnell’s arm strength?
Grant Gunnell — thrower of NFL throws pic.twitter.com/iIFRwxb5SB
— Cam Mellor (@CamMellor) November 14, 2020
Grant Gunnell as the focal point of a fast-paced offense has the chance to make some serious strides in 2021. He should be an excellent C2C asset this year. There’s real NFL talent here as well. Gunnell is an underrated devy piece right now. It will be a fun fall down in Memphis this year with Grant Gunnell at the helm.
Cole Turner TE Nevada
Nevada Senior tight end Cole Turner could emerge as one of the premier tight ends in the 2022 NFL Draft class. Playing in one of the most high powered offenses in the country helps. Turner is one-third of star quarterback Carson Strong’s receiving trio, alongside wide receivers Romeo Doubs and Tory Horton.
Turner came out of nowhere in 2020, dominating the Mountain West Conference with 49 receptions for 605 yards and nine touchdowns. The 6’6 240 pound Turner is a mismatch with his size and strength. He flashes an impressive catch radius, particularly in the red zone. Often in 2020 Strong looked Turner’s way when it mattered the most.
What a fantastic catch by Nevada TE Cole Turner.
Turner has been a monster today for the Wolfpack. pic.twitter.com/ajfRrSWsNl— Seven Rounds in Heaven (@7RoundsInHeaven) December 22, 2020
There’s no reason Cole Turner shouldn’t be considered a top-tier tight end in a weak 2022 tight end class. Expect the versatile Turner to have a big senior season with Carson Strong and company.
Jerome Ford RB Cincinnati
Alabama transfer and former four-star recruit Jerome Ford looks to make the best of his new start in his second full season at the University of Cincinnati. The Bearcats offense should be an explosive group to watch led by star quarterback Desmond Ridder. Fellow running back Gerrid Doaks moved onto the NFL and is now with the Dolphins. Ford could be in for a monster workload in 2021.
Jerome Ford averaged an impressive 6.6 yards per carry in 2020, being utilized as a part-timer. He managed 534 total yards and eight touchdowns. Ford has excellent size at 5’11 215 pounds. He also has another gear to his game. A house call is always waiting to happen. Ford can erupt at any moment.
JEROME FORD.
80 YARDS.#PeachBowl pic.twitter.com/DUk4HHKGUC
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) January 1, 2021
Jerome Ford does have a few flaws in his game. He’s not the perfect running back. Ford isn’t the most dynamic runner. He doesn’t create much on his own. Opportunity is king, however, and Ford will see the field plenty this season. The 2022 draft-eligible redshirt Junior has the chance to make a strong push up the devy running back ranks this year.
Ulysses Bentley IV RB SMU
Redshirt sophomore Ulysses Bentley will look to continue to build upon his fabulous 2020 freshman campaign at SMU. At 5’10 185 pounds, Bentley doesn’t appear to be the most physically imposing running back. He plays strong and tough for his size, however. Bentley showcases exceptional vision and footwork. He’s a versatile weapon in the SMU offense.
Ulysses Bentley to the house on his way to a 200 yard night. #Devy pic.twitter.com/GnvJryyGFJ
— Greg Brandt (@devywarehouse) September 20, 2020
In 2020, Bentley produced 913 rushing yards and 12 total touchdowns. I mentioned his versatility, Bentley also provided 21 receptions for 174 yards in the receiving game as well.
Bentley should be a high-end C2C producer in 2021. It’s debatable whether he has enough size to make it in the NFL, but I think there’s enough upside to see an eventual day three pick in Bentley. His skill set as an electric player with the ball in his hands gives him a shot. Time will tell about where Ulysses Bentley ranks in the devy community. In the meantime, prepare for a gigantic 2021 season from the SMU Mustang.
